(Frankfort, KY) - Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement (KVE) Commissioner Greg Howard announced today the seizure of over 480 pounds of processed marijuana in Laurel County. “These drugs have a street value of more than $440,000 dollars and this action takes a significant amount of illegal drugs off the streets and out of our communities,” remarked Commissioner Howard.

On Monday, June 5, 2006, at approximately 10:00AM (EST), Officer Randall Honeycutt conducted a traffic stop on a Blue 1994 Nissan Quest Mini Van. The traffic stop occurred at the 34 mile marker on I-75 North, in Laurel County.

After talking with the driver, Officer Honeycutt detected a strong odor of processed marijuana. It was determined that further inspection was warranted. Officer Joey Conn assisted Officer Honeycutt in further inspection of the vehicle.

During the search, 39 bundles of marijuana, weighing approximately 12.5 pounds each, were discovered inside the vehicle.

Jaziel Martinez, 23 years of age, of Veracruz, Mexico, was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Marijuana over five pounds. He was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center with bond for his release not yet set.

"I commend all of the officers involved for their dedication to making Kentucky a safer place to live for all its citizens," said Commissioner Howard. The investigation is being led by KVE Lt. Greg Jenkins. The DEA are also assisting as the investigation continues.

Laurel County was recently the location of the largest marijuana seizure in Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement history with over 1,300 pounds of marijuana being seized at an estimated street value of over $1.5 million dollars.